OFFICERS are reassuring residents that they are combating the problem of people performing lewd acts in public toilets at Vale Royal's beauty spots.

We revealed earlier this month that officers were investigating reports of outdoor exhibitionism at a number of country parks.

Toilets in Delamere, Hatchmere and Little Budworth have been targeted by people who indulge in the activity known as dogging, according to reports from residents and visitors of the country spots.

Talks have been taking place between the police and Vale Royal Borough Council and Insp Phil Hodgson told the Chronicle this week: 'We do recognise there are activities taking place which are causing offence to people and we've been using the information we have to target hot spot areas at key times.

'I've also been in liaison with the council to see what options we have in terms of getting their health workers involved in looking at the problem and this is an area I'm keen to make progress in.

'The difficulty we have is that when people see an officer in the area they simply move on. That's why we've been using the approach of education.

'By sending out the message to people that we are aware of what's happening, it will hopefully encourage them to stop.'

'It's a shame a minority of people are spoiling the parks for others with their offensive behaviour.

'The culprits are severely upsetting other people and deterring them from visiting open spaces which are there for all to enjoy.

* If anyone has car registration details or other descriptions of the visitors who are indulging in lewd acts they should report the details by contacting 0845 4580000.